The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) was established in 1993 and their LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System has become the leading tool used to rate and certify both new and existing buildings across the globe.
LEED certified buildings are a financial incentive for builders and property owners due to their increased value. They are also good for the environment since they typically use less energy. It is reported that the average payback time to recoup the additional costs involved is only 12 to 24 months.
According to the USGBC green buildings: 
- Reduce energy use by 30 to 50%
- Reduce carbon emissions 35%
- Have a 40% reduction in water usage
- Account for 70% less solid waste
A key component of the LEED certification process is focused on developing healthier and safer environments for occupants. This process looks at such factors as reduced off-gassing from building materials and protection for occupants from such airborne irritants as allergens and mold. However, some practices such as re-using older building materials and reducing energy consumption by decreasing fresh air ventilation can also have negative effects.
EMSL Analytical, one of the nation’s largest indoor air quality (IAQ) and materials testing laboratories, has extensive expertise in the LEED process. The laboratory offers field test equipment such as PIDs, gas monitors and personal PM-10 monitors. Analytical services range from PM-10 particulate analysis to TVOC and formaldehyde testing.
“Last year the USGBC released LEED Version 3,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President for EMSL Analytical. “The latest version allows the LEED program to continue to advance and at EMSL we have made our laboratory available for LEED’s testing and our extensive line of sampling products supports field testing requirements.”
To learn more about LEED Testing Services or LEED Rental Equipment available at EMSL Analytical, Inc., CLICK HERE to download the document.